Staff file, 2015: Thurston County Commissioner Sandra Romero listens to comments at the commission’s budget hearing on Dec. 7, 2015. A farewell party that’s open to the community in honor of Romero will be held on Dec. 2. Steve BloomStaff photographer

Staff file, 2015: Thurston County Commissioner Sandra Romero listens to comments at the commission’s budget hearing on Dec. 7, 2015. A farewell party that’s open to the community in honor of Romero will be held on Dec. 2. Steve BloomStaff photographer

Romero, a Democrat, has served on the three-member Board of County Commissioners since 2009. She previously served 12 years in the state House of Representatives and is a former member of the Olympia City Council.